What is the "Continental" of Today?

[Phil Gevertz]

I think: Bentley Brooklands Coupe - has everything the Mark II had in its day, price $365K, exclusivity (only 500 in its expected model run), quality - evident throughout, and like in '56, you really have to be either rich or famous to afford or acquire this car. This car has the elegence for sure. Other opinions?

[Barry Wolk]

You don't have to be famous, just rich.

I saw a number of letters in the Continental files from people pleading to buy a Mark II but unsure if their social standing was sufficient to buy one. The response was always that anyone was welcome to buy one, dispelling another Mark II myth.

The reality is that today's shit-box cars are technologically far better than our works of rolling sculpture.

[depmike38]

You're right Barry in that love 'em or hate 'em you can't deny how long even the cheapest junk on the market today will run and still have all the accessories work.

[Shelly Harris]

Other than the interior, that Bentley looks totally boring to me. A PLC (Personal Luxury Car) should stand out as something unique. That car doesn't have it. It makes me happy knowing I don't like that car and I just saved $365K.

[Barry Wolk]

It's you're fault the economy's in the crapper. No wait, it's my fault. I haven't bought a new car in 12 years.

[depmike38]

Originally Posted by Barry Wolk

It's you're fault the economy's in the crapper. No wait, it's my fault. I haven't bought a new car in 12 years.

I haven't bought one since 1990

[Barry Wolk]

Originally Posted by depmike38

You're right Barry in that love 'em or hate 'em you can't deny how long even the cheapest junk on the market today will run and still have all the accessories work.

My philosophy has always been to buy the best I could afford and keep a car/truck for a very long time. The original purchase price becomes irrelevant after a point.

My father always had to get a new car every two years. I never fell into that trap.

[Keith W Colonna]

It looks like the Bentley also shares the difficult back seat with the MKII.
The poor Bently was shamelessly ripped off by the Chrysler designer what with the grill, winged logo and the side vent.
I've often had a company car which satisfied my need for new vehicles but have never personally had a car payment .
A couple of years ago, I seriously thought about buying a new Range Rover sport....I was totally seduced and perhaps out of my mind. But I followed my instincts and now have 3 MKII's instead of a car payment on a depreciating asset.

[Shawn Newcomb]

A very stylish car, but I vote thumbs down on the Bentley.

Here is my rationale: Lincoln attempted to leap out of its own pool of competition (Cadillac, Packard, Chrysler, etc.) and create a worldclass car to rival Rolls Royce, Bentley, and...

For me the modern Mark II would need to aspire to compete with this Bentley, Maybach, Rolls, and anyone else I'm missing.

Unfortunately I don't believe there is a modern equivalent to the Mark II. Perhaps the closest would be the Cadillac CTS-V that set the record at Nurburgring for a luxury sedan. But it competes in a lower segment with BMW, Jag, Mercedes (Audi and Lexus to a lesser degree) and IMO the new Cadillacs are god-awful ugly with no style at all.

Cadillac is trying it's damnest to be the next GM division to be shyte-canned. I think that most of the former Pontiac Aztek designers were sent to Caddy to "work their magic" over there.